Four generations of passion
Sarah Lake grew up on a beef farm with around 500 pure bred Hereford’s – a farm that has been in her family now for four generations. She has fond memories of showing cows with her father and twin sister Lucinda at the age of 5 ‘ to let people see how placid the animals were,’ says Sarah. ‘That was when I fell in love with cows.’
A farming accident not long after this meant that Sarah was not allowed to work on the farm for many years. ‘I went on a pony exchange programme when I was 16 in Canada. I also had a lot to do with farm animals and this is when I realized that I wanted to do this full time.’ Sarah went on to study Agricultural studies at University in which she still to this day, finds so useful in her day job as a Livestock Underwriter, along with working on the farm. ‘My job on the farm is to apply for passports for calves and hand pick cattle for breeding. I’m still involved in breeding and calving…not as much as I would like to though. I just love farming so much.’
This is why Ladies in Beef is so important for Sarah. ‘I have just started out with Ladies in Beef and would love to get as involved as possible. I really want to be involved in communicating all of the wonderful positive messages about farming and cattle and to let women know that farming really isn’t just an old mans job, which is what I think the common misconception is. With Ladies in Beef, we also want to teach women how to cook with cheaper cuts of beef and still have an excellent quality meal.’
In her spare time, Sarah relaxes by training for triathlons and she loves open water swimming and competing. She is also a member of the Royal Norfolk Agriculture Association Next Generation Committee and most of all, loves cooking – with beef no doubt -and having friends over for dinner. ‘I love entertaining. I think my friends would say I am a bit eccentric…and obsessed with cows!’
Sarah and her sister Lucinda work separately on the farm. ‘Lucinda has taken more of the arts route in her studies and is passionate about agri-environmental schemes, whereas I am more commercial.’ says Sarah. ‘We compliment each other well in that aspect and absolutely love cows!’
